Greece combines ancient ruins, island beaches, and Mediterranean culture. The mainland has Athens and dramatic landscapes like Meteora, while over 200 inhabited islands offer everything from party scenes to peaceful escapes. Two weeks covers the highlights; longer allows for proper island hopping.
Main Destinations
Athens
The capital and gateway to Greece. Most visitors spend 2-3 days here.
Must-see:
- Acropolis: The Parthenon and ancient temples on the hilltop. €20 entry (or €30 combined ticket for multiple sites). Go early to beat crowds and heat.
- Acropolis Museum: Modern museum with sculptures and artefacts. €15.
- Ancient Agora: Market and gathering place of ancient Athens.
- Plaka: Old neighbourhood below the Acropolis with tavernas and shops.
- National Archaeological Museum: Best collection of Greek antiquities.
Santorini
The iconic Cycladic island with whitewashed buildings on volcanic cliffs. Famous for sunsets in Oia. Expensive and crowded in summer but undeniably beautiful.
- Santorini hotels range from caldera-view luxury to budget rooms in Fira
- Black and red sand beaches
- Boat trips to the volcanic crater
Mykonos
Party island with beaches, bars, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Expensive. The old town (Chora) has windmills and whitewashed streets.
Crete
Greece’s largest island with its own distinct character. Needs at least a week.
- Knossos: Minoan palace ruins
- Chania and Rethymno: Venetian harbour towns
- Samaria Gorge: 16km hiking trail
- Elafonisi and Balos: Famous beaches
Rhodes
Medieval old town (UNESCO site), beaches, and ancient ruins. Good mix of history and relaxation.
Corfu
Ionian island with Venetian architecture, green hills, and quieter beaches. More Italian influence than Cycladic islands.
Other Islands
Naxos: Largest Cycladic island, good beaches, less crowded than Santorini/Mykonos.
Paros: Popular with younger travellers, good nightlife, ferry hub.
Milos: Volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastline, less touristy.
Hydra: Car-free island close to Athens. Day trip possible.
Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), sea turtles, package tourism.
Mainland
Meteora: Monasteries perched on rock pillars. Stunning. Day trip from Athens or stay in Kalambaka.
Delphi: Ancient oracle site on Mount Parnassus. Day trip from Athens.
Thessaloniki: Greece’s second city with Byzantine churches, food scene, and nightlife.
Peloponnese: Ancient sites (Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus), beaches, less touristy.
Island Hopping
Ferries connect the islands, mainly from Piraeus (Athens’ port). The Cyclades are well-connected; other island groups less so.
Tips:
- Book ferries at ferryhopper.com or directferries.com
- High-speed ferries cost more but save time
- Connections between different island groups may require returning to Athens
- Summer ferries can sell out – book ahead for popular routes
- SeaJets, Blue Star, and Hellenic Seaways are main operators
Sample routes:
- Athens to Santorini: 5-8 hours (or 25 mins by plane)
- Santorini to Mykonos: 2-3 hours
- Athens to Crete (Heraklion): 9 hours overnight or 1 hour flight
Costs
Greece is mid-range for Europe. Islands are more expensive than mainland.
Sample prices:
- Coffee (freddo): €3-4
- Beer: €4-6
- Gyros/souvlaki: €3-5
- Taverna meal: €12-20
- Ferry (Athens-Santorini): €40-80
- Budget hotel: €40-70
- Mid-range hotel: €80-150
- Santorini caldera hotel: €200-500+
Budget tips:
- Eat at local tavernas, not tourist spots
- Ferries cheaper than flights for some routes
- Visit shoulder season (May-June, September-October)
- Less famous islands are cheaper
When to Visit
Summer (July-August): Peak season. Hot (30-35°C), crowded, expensive. Best for beaches and nightlife.
Shoulder season (May-June, September-October): Best balance. Warm enough for swimming, fewer crowds, lower prices.
Spring (April-May): Wildflowers, pleasant hiking weather. Water still cool.
Winter (November-March): Many islands shut down. Good for Athens and mainland sights. Rain possible.
Easter: Major celebration with processions and feasts. Book ahead.
Food and Drink
Greek classics:
- Moussaka: Layered aubergine, mince, béchamel
- Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers
- Gyros: Meat in pita with salad and tzatziki
- Greek salad (horiatiki): Tomato, cucumber, olives, feta
- Seafood: Grilled octopus, fried calamari, fresh fish
- Mezze: Small shared dishes
Drink ouzo or tsipouro with mezze. Greek coffee is strong and served with grounds. Freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino are summer staples.
Getting There
Athens (ATH): Main international airport with flights from across Europe and beyond.
Thessaloniki (SKG): Second airport, useful for northern Greece.
Island airports: Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (Heraklion and Chania), Rhodes, and Corfu have international flights in summer.
Practical Tips
- Plug type: Type C and F (two round pins). Greece adapter guide.
- Tipping: Round up or 5-10% at tavernas.
- Siesta: Some shops close 2-5pm.
- Smoking: Common, even in restaurants.
- Cash: Smaller places may not take cards.
- Driving: International licence recommended. Roads can be challenging.
Visa
UK citizens: 90 days visa-free (Schengen area).
US citizens: 90 days visa-free.
EU citizens: Freedom of movement.
